EP3379967A1

EP3379967A1 - Buckle that can be opened up

Info

Publication number: EP3379967A1
Application number: EP16805216.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Pascal Queloz
Original assignee: Biowatch SA
Current assignee: Biowatch SA
Priority date: 2015-11-25
Filing date: 2016-11-22
Publication date: 2018-10-03
Also published as: CH711847A2; WO2017089950A1; CN108601430A; JP2018536523A; US20180343987A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a clasp for a bracelet, comprising a buckle (1) that can be opened up and is provided with a main unfolding strip (2) surrounded by two pivoting fastening shafts (with hinges), characterised in that said main unfolding strip (2) has a frame, the inner profile of which defines an opening for removably housing a removable insert (10).

Description

DEPLOYING LOOP

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a clasp with folding clasp for a bracelet, in particular for a watch strap.

The invention also provides a set for a bracelet provided with a clasp with folding clasp and an insert. The invention is likely to be used in the field of watchmaking, especially for wristwatches, but also in other sectors, for example for belts.

State of the art

Many band closure devices are known today. Conventionally, the clasps comprise a folding clasp. These devices comprise a set of blades assembled together by means of hinges. These devices are generally designed so as to take an extended position, in which the blades allow the bracelet to have a longer length, and a closed position, with at least a portion of the blade plane being substantially superimposed, allowing the bracelet to have a shorter length, corresponding to a configuration in which the bracelet is attached to the wrist of the user.

[0003] Several types of clasps are also known which comprise specific elements, generally fixed, and intended for functions related to those of the bracelet itself. For example, document CH705058, describes a bracelet clasp for fine adjustment of the length of the bracelet. For this purpose, the clasp comprises a rack provided with several notches with a tooth, capable of being engaged in one of the notches, so as to determine the length of the bracelet. The clasp includes a magnet or an elastic member, to hold the inserted tooth in one of the notches. It is observed that this type of device optimizes functions or features inherent to the bracelet, such as comfort, ease of introduction or withdrawal, etc.

[0005] Watch bracelets specifically designed to house or integrate electronic elements such as RFID or other elements are also known.

For example, the document EP1240619 describes an electronic tag for a watch strap, provided with an antenna integrated in a rigid zone of the bracelet. The bracelet is configured specifically to allow the integration of the label and especially the antenna.

[0007] WO200701 1514 discloses an RFID bracelet comprising a lower layer on which are positioned an antenna and an RFID element, the assembly being covered by a main layer of the bracelet. The embodiment is specifically provided to integrate in the bracelet both the antenna and the RFID element.

These devices can perform functions other than those inherent in the bracelet, but require specific implementations, complex, expensive, offering little flexibility to provide other functions than originally planned. There is therefore a need for a solution for implementing separate or complementary functions to those directly related to the bracelet, without requiring a total redesign of the bracelet, nor that the bracelet is specifically and permanently dedicated to this type configuration.

Presentation of the invention

First, a first object of the invention is to provide a bracelet closure device, in particular a watch strap, for attaching an insert without affecting the overall size and without harming the comfort of the watch. 'user.

Another object of the invention is to provide a bracelet closure device, in particular a watch strap, for fixing an insert removably.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bracelet closure device, in particular watch strap, for attaching an insert without affecting the aesthetics of the bracelet.

To do this, the invention provides a clasp for a bracelet comprising a folding clasp provided with a main folding blade surrounded by two pivoting fastening pins (with hinges), said main folding blade having a frame whose inner profile delimits an opening of suitable shape to accommodate, preferably removably, an insert.

Such a clasp arrangement allows a simple and effective integration of a complementary element, without affecting the aesthetics of the clasp and / or bracelet. The insert is advantageously removable, to allow either to replace it with another type of insert, or to perform a removal, the time for example to perform an update of the parameters of the insert. The integration in the clasp allows a great discretion, while maintaining the level of comfort for the user.

Advantageously, the opening comprises at least two lateral notches adapted to accommodate corresponding stops provided on the outer profile of the insert. Such notches, in connection with the corresponding stops of the insert, allow easy implementation and good positioning. By adjusting the notches and / or the stops, the position of the insert can be adapted according to the functional or aesthetic needs. The opening of the frame is advantageously of shape

substantially oblong. This form allows the integration of a multitude of types of inserts, easy to achieve, with a high quality appearance and presentation. In variants, other forms, more or less elongated and / or more or less rounded, are provided.

The invention further provides a set for a bracelet, in particular for a watch strap, comprising on the one hand:

a clasp having a folding clasp provided with a main folding blade surrounded by two pivoting fastening pins (with hinges), said main folding blade comprising a frame whose internal profile delimits an aperture of a shape adapted to accommodate, preferably removable, an insert;

And on the other hand:

an insert comprising a lateral external profile substantially adapted for insertion of said insert into said opening of the frame. Such a set allows to implement a wide range of combinations of clasps and inserts, simple, economical, ergonomic, while maintaining the aesthetics of the clasp. Advantageously, the frame comprises, on its internal profile, at least two notches, adapted to accommodate the attachment of the insert stops.

The main folding blade is preferably U-shaped flared, the insert being insertable by the opening of said U, that is to say from below the clasp, wrist side. This curved shape makes it possible to respect the curvatures of the wrist of the user, for a great comfort, while facilitating the installation and / or removal of the inserts. According to an advantageous embodiment, the insert comprises at least two fixing stops arranged on the lateral profile of the insert.

According to the embodiments, the insert is an element

electronic or sensor, including a biometric sensor, or an accelerometer, or a vibrator.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the insert is adapted to exchange data with an external device (such as a

computer, tablet, smartphone or other).

According to an advantageous embodiment, the long and short unfolding blades are provided with closure contacts adapted to cooperate with a closure detector of the insert. According to another advantageous embodiment, the frame is provided with a control pusher adapted to cooperate with a stud.

interface of the insert.

The invention also provides a folding clasp for folding set for bracelet as previously described.

The invention further provides an insert for bracelet assembly as previously described. The invention finally also provides a watch strap comprising a closure loop as previously described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0029] All the details of embodiment are given in the description which follows, supplemented by the single figure, presented solely for purposes of non-limiting examples, and in which:

FIG. 1 presents a perspective view of an example of

implementation of folding clasp according to the invention, before introduction of an insert.

Detailed description of the invention

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a clasp according to the invention. As illustrated, the clasp comprises a substantially elongated and arched main leaflet 2 forming a substantially flared inverted U. On a first side of the main blade 2, a long folding blade 3 is connected to the main blade 2 by a hinge 1. similarly, on the other side of the main blade 2, a short folding blade 4 is connected to the main blade 2, also by a hinge 1 1. The respective lengths of the folding blades 3 and 4 may vary according to the embodiments and according to the dimensions of the clasp. The blades of the clasp are arranged to move between a closed position and an open position. In the first of these positions, at least one of the blades other than the main folding blade is superimposed at least partially against the main folding blade. This mode allows the closing of the bracelet substantially adjusted on the wrist of the user. In the open position, the blades are pivoted and deployed to enlarge the circumference of the bracelet.

In the case where the clasp is used with a wristwatch with a flexible bracelet such as a leather strap on one side of the clasp, the rod 15 allows attachment to the wristband of the watch. On the other side, the fastening finger 14 can be inserted into one of the holes of the bracelet.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a clasp pusher 13, provided on the long folding blade 3 at the interface with the cover 12, to unlock the folding clasp to switch from closed mode to deployed mode.

In the illustrated embodiment, the long 3 and short unfolding blades 4 are provided with closure contacts 6 adapted to cooperate with a loop closure detector 25 provided on the insert. In the illustrated example, the closure detector 25 is disposed on the outer profile of the insert. When the long 3 and short unfolding blades 4 are in the closed position, the contacts 6 of these blades cooperate with the detector 25, indicating the closed position of the folding clasp.

The insert 20 receives the corresponding pulse, and thus has data allowing to implement (or not) certain functions, according to the embodiments and the context of use.

Also as shown in Figure 1, the main folding blade 2 comprises a frame 8 whose inner profile 9 defines an opening 10 in which an insert 20 can be housed, preferably removably. Locking elements 7, for example fixing notches 7, are provided in the internal profile 9 of the frame. These notches 7 make it possible to correctly position the insert 20 and to lock it in place thanks to corresponding elements, for example fixing stops 21 provided on the external profile 24 of the insert 20. The stops 21 cooperate with the notches 7 to hold the insert 20 fixed to the frame. To ensure that the insert is held in place, the notches 7 and / or the stops 21 may be provided with fastening means such as ball pawls, spring balls, magnets or the like. The insert can be fixed by forcing the stops into the notches, and disengaged from the frame by pushing it from above. When the clasp is worn and resting against the wrist, the insert can not be removed. The position of the bearing abutments 21 and notches 7 is provided to allow adjustment of the distance between the inner face of the insert and the skin of the user closed closure mode, for a

optimal operation of the sensor. Depending on the size and shape of the insert 20 and the frame 8, the strap assembly may be configured such that the bottom plane of the mounted insert is substantially aligned with the base of the frame, or that plane bottom of the insert extends under the frame.

In the example illustrated, the internal profile 9 of the frame 8 and the external profile 24 of the insert 20 are substantially corresponding shapes. oblong with respective dimensions allowing easy insertion and removal of the insert 20 into the opening 10.

A control pusher 5, provided on the frame 8, is arranged to collaborate with a portion 22 of the insert 20, for example with an interface pad 22. This control pusher 5 is actuated to put implement one or more functions of the insert by acting on the pad, for example to start a biometric reading or a measurement with a sensor, or a data transmission. It is possible to provide a control pushbutton on each side of the frame, to trigger two separate functions of the insert. A not shown return spring makes it possible to push each pusher towards the outside.

The insert 20 is advantageously an electronic module, a sensor, or a vibrator element. A user interface 23 is

advantageously provided on the user side. According to an advantageous embodiment, the insert 20 is a biometric sensor. In this case, the user interface 23 is a biometric interface, provided under the insert, so as to be in the immediate vicinity of the skin of the user when the bracelet is in place and the clasp in the closed position. This biometric interface allows the biometric sensor to implement its functions

specific, such as recognition functions of tissues or areas of the skin. The insert advantageously comprises a connector (not shown), such as a USB connector or other, to facilitate the connection with an external element such as a computer or tablet, for example to perform an update. day or a personalization of the parameters and / or to effecter an electric recharge. Thanks to the clasp of the invention, an insert can easily and quickly be removed from its position inserted in the clasp, to allow to implement such a connection with an external device. Once the update is completed, the insert is put back in place in the clasp.

It goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments which have just been described and that various variants may be envisaged by the skilled person without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, by modifying the dimensions of the frame 8 and / or its internal profile 9, it is possible to design a bracelet assembly whose dimensions and shapes may differ from the illustrated embodiment.

Reference numbers used in the figures

Folding buckle

Main folding blade

Long folding blade

Short folding blade

Push button

Folding clasp closure contacts

Locking elements, for example frame fixing notches

Internal profile of the frame

Opening

hinges

hood

Clasp push

Finger

Wrist strap

Removable insert

Fixing stops

Interface plot

User interface

Side profile of the insert

Closing sensor

Claims

claims

1. Clasp for a bracelet comprising a folding clasp (1) provided with a main folding blade (2) surrounded by two axes of pivoting attachment, characterized in that said main folding blade (2) comprises a frame (8) whose profile internal member (9) delimits an opening (10) of a shape adapted to removably receive and retain an insert (20).

2. Clasp according to claim 1, wherein the opening (10) comprises at least two locking elements (7) arranged to cooperate with corresponding elements on the outer profile of the insert (20).

3. Clasp according to claim 2, the locking elements being constituted by lateral notches (7) adapted to accommodate corresponding stops provided on the outer profile of the insert (20).

Clasp according to claim 3, the locking elements

with ball pawls, spring balls or magnets.

5. Clasp according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening (10) of the frame (8) is substantially oblong shape.

6. Set for a bracelet, especially for a watch strap, comprising firstly:

a clasp comprising a folding clasp (1) provided with a main folding blade (2) surrounded by two pivoting attachment axes (1 1), said main folding blade (2) comprising a frame (8) whose internal profile ( 9) defines an aperture (10) of a shape adapted to removably receive and retain an insert (20);

And on the other hand: an insert (20) comprising a lateral external profile (24) cooperating with said opening (10) of the frame (8) in order to retain the insert.

7. Bracelet assembly according to claim 6, wherein the frame (8) has, on its internal profile (9), at least two elements of

locking (7) cooperating with corresponding elements on the outer profile of the insert (20).

8. Bracelet assembly according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the main folding blade (2) is U-shaped flared, the insert (20) being insertable by the opening of said U under the underside of the clasp.

9. Bracelet assembly according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the insert (20) comprises at least two stops (21) for fixing arranged on the lateral profile (24) of the insert.

10. Bracelet assembly according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the insert (20) is a sensor, including a biometric sensor, or an accelerometer, or a vibrator.

1. A bracelet assembly according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the insert (20) is adapted to exchange data with an external device.

12. Bracelet assembly according to one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the long (3) and short (4) folding blades are provided with at least one closing contact (6) adapted to cooperate with a closure detector (25) of the insert (20) to detect in the insert a closed position of the loop.

13. Set for bracelet according to one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the frame (8) is provided with a control pusher (5) adapted to cooperate with a portion (22) of the insert to control a function of the insert by acting on the pusher.

14. Insert (20) detachable bracelet assembly according to one of claims 6 to 13, comprising a sensor, including a biometric sensor, or an accelerometer, or a vibrator, and at least two locking elements (21) on the lateral profile (24) of the insert to removably fix it in a clasp.